Scrap metal on City Council agenda

PORTSMOUTH — The City Council has agreed to convene a work session sometime in the next year to discuss the future of the scrap metal business operating at the Port of New Hampshire.

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By Charles McMahon

seacoastonline.com

By Charles McMahon

Posted Feb. 6, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By Charles McMahon

Posted Feb. 6, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

PORTSMOUTH — The City Council has agreed to convene a work session sometime in the next year to discuss the future of the scrap metal business operating at the Port of New Hampshire.

The work session, which has yet to be scheduled, came at the request of a contingent of community members known as Save Our Working Port. The group was created earlier this year to address concerns about the impact the scrap operation run by Grimmel Industries is having on the environment and the city's historic character.

Resident Bob Hassold, a former downtown business owner, requested the work session on behalf of the group through a letter sent to Mayor Bob Lister and the rest of the council.

In his letter, Hassold reiterated the group's position that the Pease Development Authority should reconsider renewing the expiring contract with Grimmel and instead turn the port into a temporary parking lot to alleviate the city's parking problems.

"This would enable the Pease Development Authority, which manages the port, to replace the undesirable scrap operation with a more benign and very much-needed facility," Hassold wrote.

The goal of the future work session, according to Hassold, would be to get everyone together to hash out the group's proposal prior to the PDA voting on Grimmel's contract renewal in December.

"This is a forum that would allow us to present estimates, projections and visuals, and give everyone the opportunity to raise and answer questions, express concerns and offer suggestions," according to the letter. "The goal would be to develop a proposal for a plan that would benefit both the PDA and the city."

While the council as a whole appeared receptive to the idea, some councilors were skeptical about what a work session would ultimately end up accomplishing without having all stakeholders at the table.

"It doesn't make a lot of sense for us to have a work session," said Councilor Chris Dwyer, adding that the council really has no jurisdiction over the port.

Dwyer instead recommended the council include representatives from the city's legislative delegation, as well as officials from the PDA.

Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine said he likes the idea of having a work session with the Save Our Working Port group. Splaine said he's interested in hearing their ideas.

"I'd like to hear their big-picture ideas on this," he said.

City Manager John Bohenko emphasized that the decision on whether Grimmel remains at the port really comes down to the PDA board of directors. Even so, Bohenko said, offering as much feedback as possible to the PDA will help ensure the city's interests will be represented when the agency makes its decision.